LOS ANGELES : Council Takes Action to Beef Up City Hall Security

The Los Angeles City Council gave the go-ahead Tuesday to hire five more security officers and took other steps aimed at protecting City Hall from thefts and terrorist threats.

In the past year, workers in several council offices and departments have reported thefts of computers and other office equipment.

The recent bombing in Oklahoma City raised more concerns about security, according to a report from the Administrative Services Committee.

Tuesday, the council directed transit officials to enforce parking restrictions on Main Street, where City Hall’s main entrance is located.

The council also wants alarms installed at exits on Temple and 1st streets, and employees must wear ID badges while in city facilities.

To counter the thefts and other incidents, the city administrative office and General Services Department are undertaking a further review of security requirements at buildings the city leases.